New Horizons in Engineering Biology and Bioeconomy Innovation with Dr Alec Foster
Description
Join Dr Alec Foster, Portfolio Leader for Bioproducts and Packaging at New Zealand's Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), for an engaging discussion on building globally connected innovation ecosystems and translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. Alec leads programmes at the intersection of engineering biology, advanced manufacturing and the circular bioeconomy, developing sustainable products and industrial bioprocesses that convert renewable resources into high-value materials and technologies.
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in industrial biotechnology, synthetic biology and research commercialisation, Alec will share insights from working with industry, government and research organisations to accelerate innovation and build internationally competitive bioindustries. The presentation will explore approaches to creating successful research partnerships, translating research into commercial outcomes, and positioning organisations to engage in major international collaborative opportunities.
Alec will also reflect on his experience leading and contributing to successful Horizon Europe projects and other international initiatives, offering practical perspectives on what makes global research collaborations successful and how researchers can develop networks, partnerships and capabilities that create lasting impact.
This presentation will be of interest to researchers, industry partners, research development professionals, commercialisation practitioners and anyone interested in the future of the bioeconomy, biotechnology innovation and international research collaboration.
Registration 11:50am, the Welcome address will commence at 12:00pm.
This event includes an opportunity for audience questions, and networking.
Host
Professor Peter Prentis
Peter is Director of QUT's Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy (CAB) and a Professor of Genomics in the School of Biology and Environmental Science. He leads the Genetics for Next Generation Orchards initiative, a five-year, $41 million Hort Innovation Frontiers program that is transforming Australian tree crop breeding through advanced genomics, molecular markers and automation-ready orchard systems. Peter's research combines genomics, bioinformatics and field-based studies to address challenges in agriculture, biosecurity and biodiversity conservation. His work focuses on improving productivity in fruit crops, developing new approaches for managing horticultural pests, and accelerating the breeding of next-generation crop varieties. Drawing on experience across plant evolutionary genomics, crop improvement and applied biotechnology, Peter works closely with industry and research partners to translate scientific discoveries into practical outcomes for agriculture and the bioeconomy.
Guest Speaker
Dr Alec Foster
Alec is Portfolio Leader for Bioproducts and Packaging at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), With over 22 years in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology, Alec has worked with more than 100 New Zealand companies to translate research into commercial products, processes, and manufacturing capability, drawing on a background spanning chemical engineering, materials science, and biotechnology. Before joining BSI, he was Biotechnology Director at INVISTA (Koch Industries) in the UK, leading one of Europe's largest synthetic biology programmes and developing engineered microbes for industrial-scale biomanufacturing. An inventor on more than 40 patent families, Alec pairs deep technical expertise with a sustained focus on commercialisation. He contributes to national strategy through the BioTechNZ Executive Council, the APPITA New Zealand Committee, and his concurrent role as Technical Advisor on Genetic Technologies to MBIE. Based in Rotorua, he is focused on strengthening New Zealand's engineering biology capability and building a stronger pipeline from research to globally competitive industry.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Register
Register
